FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an array reading system, and more particularly to
an array reading system that utilizes an array reader having a plurality of image
sensors to quickly scan different tag identifiers on an object and determine the position
of the object.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, techniques for reading identifiers, such as bar code and radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag, have been widely used in security identification, supply
chain management, library management, product tracking, access control, etc. There
are prior art in connection with identification tags and active identifying of positions
of such identification tags. Taiwan Invention Patent Number
1258712 discloses a RFID card reader with multi-dimensional antenna array, in which the RFID
technique is employed to detect and read an identifier and to locate the position
of the identifier. However, the RFID card reader disclosed in Taiwan Invention Patent
Number
I258712 necessitates the use of a large quantity of RFID tags.
[0003] Besides, Taiwan Patent Number
I231459 discloses a vocal learning system, in which identifiers are printed on different
objects shown on an audiobook to achieve the purpose of identifying the objects. Fig.
1 shows a conventional reading system employed in the above-mentioned prior art vocal
learning system. As shown, the reading system includes a large number of pictures
11 shown on pages of an audiobook, a digital speech signal processing unit (not shown),
a plurality of bar codes 121 printed below each of the pictures 11, or an identifiers
122 located hidden in each of the pictures 11. The bar codes 121 and the identifiers
122 contain information for the digital speech signal processing unit to identify
the pictures 11. A child can use an identification pen 13 to scan one bar code 121
or one identifier 122 for reading one corresponding picture 11. The digital speech
signal processing unit identifies the picture 11 being read by the identification
pen 13 and generates a digital speech signal. The digital speech signal is decoded
and sent to the audiobook, so that the audiobook outputs speech corresponds to the
picture 11. However, the identification pen 13 is subject to missing, and is a reader
provided with only one single image sensor. Since the image sensor must be located
within the bar code 121 to achieve the purpose of reading the corresponding picture
11, the identification pen 13 is not convenient for use. Further, since the conventional
reading system includes only an identification pen 13 to read one piece of shadow
identifiers once, the identifiers 122 can only be passively read by a user using the
identification pen 13. The conventional reading system itself does not provide the
function of active scanning to detect and locate the identifiers 122.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, one of objectives of the present invention is to provide an array reading
system to overcome the problem of passive reading manner in the conventional reading
system and to effectively reduce the volume of the object to be detected and the manufacturing
cost of the reading system.
[0005] The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous
embodiments are given by the sub claims.
[0006] To achieve the above and other objects, the array reading system according to the
present invention is configured to detect at least one object having at least one
tag identifier, and comprises an array reader, a digital control circuit and a processor.
The array reader includes a plurality of image sensors for respectively reading a
specific one of the tag identifiers of the object and generating an analog detection
data. The digital control circuit is electrically connected to the array reader for
receiving the analog detection data output by the array reader and converting the
received analog detection data into a digital detection data. The processor determines,
based on the digital detection data, a manner in which the object is positioned and
whether the object is positioned in a correct manner.
[0007] Preferably, the array reader can further include a multi-channel analog circuit for
turning on/off the image sensors separately. The multi-channel analog circuit not
only has the function of turning on/off the image sensors separately, but also has
the function of amplifying and filtering to amplify the analog signal of the image
sensors into a digital signal. The multi-channel analog circuit can be a multi-channel
analog to digital converter, or a circuit including amplifiers for amplifying and
filtering analog signals. The multi-channel analog circuit also receives the analog
detection data generated by the image sensor that has been turned on by the multi-channel
analog circuit. The digital control circuit is electrically connected to the multi-channel
analog circuit for controlling the on/off of different channels of the multi-channel
analog circuit.
[0008] Preferably, the digital control circuit can further include a digital serial interface,
such as a serial peripheral interface (SPI) or a universal serial bus (USB) interface.
Via respective digital serial interfaces, the digital control circuit and any other
digital control circuits are electrically connected to the processor in series or
in parallel. Alternatively, the digital serial interface can be an independent external
circuit configured between the digital control circuit and the processor.
[0009] With the above arrangements, the array reading system according to the present invention
has at least the following advantages:
- (1) The array reading system utilizes an array reader having a plurality of image
sensors to quickly scan different tag identifiers provided on an object. Therefore,
it is possible to overcome the problem of failing to actively scan and determine the
object position as found in the conventional reader having one single image sensor.
- (2) The array reading system is able to identify whether an object is positioned correctly
or upside down by reading a plurality of tag identifiers that are provided on the
object and have different data recorded thereon, and is able to know the object position
in a space through a multi-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of image sensors.
- (3) The object to be read by the array reading system uses imprinted images, bar codes,
or the like as its tag identifiers to largely reduce the use of RFID tags and accordingly,
the manufacturing cost of the array reading system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve
the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional reading system;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an array reading system according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the array reading system according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an array reading system according to a second embodiment
of the present invention; and
Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an array reading system according to a third embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Please refer to Figs. 2 and 3 that are block diagram and schematic view, respectively,
of an array reading system 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As can be seen from Fig. 2, the array reading system 2 in the first embodiment includes
an array reader 22, a digital control circuit 23, and a processor 24. The array reader
22 includes a plurality of image sensors 221 and a multi-channel analog circuit 222.
Each of The image sensors 221 has a light source and is used for detecting a plurality
of tag identifiers 211 provided on an object 21 and generating an analog detection
data. Preferably, the tag identifier 211 can be a bar code, a pattern identifier (ID)
code, an image ID code, or a hidden ID code, and is printed on, glued to, or otherwise
attached to the object 21. The object 21 can be a flat plate or a polyhedron, such
as a cube. Preferably, the image sensor 221 can, be a bar code reader, a complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor, or an optical image sensor.
[0012] The multi-channel analog circuit 222 is used to turn on/off the image sensors 221
separately, and receive the analog detection data generated by the image sensor 221
that is turned on by the multi-channel analog circuit 222. The digital control circuit
23 is electrically connected to the multi-channel analog circuit 222 for controlling
the multi-channel analog circuit 222 to turn on/off and select a certain channel thereof.
For example, the digital control circuit 23 can turn on the image sensors 221 in a
predetermined sequence, such that when one of the image sensors 221 is turned on,
all other image sensors 221 are turned off. In this manner, the digital control circuit
23 can control the multi-channel analog circuit 222 to scan and switch among all the
image sensors 221 to read the analog detection data generated by each of the image
sensors 221. The digital control circuit 23 also converts the analog detection data
into digital detection data.
[0013] The processor 24 is electrically connected to the digital control circuit 23, so
as to output command or signal to the digital control circuit 23 for controlling the
multi-channel analog circuit 222 to scan and switch among the image sensors 221 of
the array reader 22. The processor 24 also identifies, based on the digital detection
data, at where the object 21 is positioned.
[0014] In Fig. 3, there are 9 image sensors 221 separately configured in 9 different areas
311 to 319 of the platform 31. Meanwhile, the processor 24 is internally built with
data of corresponding relation between the image sensors 221 and the 9 areas 311 to
319. The processor 24 transmits control signals to the digital control circuit 23
at a constant frequency, so as to control the digital control circuit 23 to drive
the multi-channel analog circuit 222 to turn on/off the 9 image sensors 221 in sequence
from image sensor 311 to image sensor 319.
[0015] For example, when a user puts an object 32 in the area 313 with the tag identifier
321 on the object 32 being located at a position within a sensing range of the image
sensor 221 in the area 313, the processor 24 controls the digital control circuit
23 to sequentially scan the 9 image sensors 221, and a digital detection data is obtained
in the third sequence of the scan. The processor 24 then compares the obtained digital
detection data with the internal data of corresponding relation to find out that the
obtained digital detection data is generated by the image sensor 221 in the area 313.
Therefore, the processor 24 is able to identify the object 32 is positioned in the
area 313. Similarly, when the object 32 is put in the area 318 with the tag identifier
321 of the object 32 located within the sensing range of the image sensor 221 in the
area 318, the processor 24 receives digital detection data obtained in the eighth
sequence of the scan and can therefore identify the object 32 is positioned in the
area 318. Moreover, when a plurality of objects 32 are put in different areas, the
processor 24 can still identify the positions of these objects 32 according to the
above-described principle.
[0016] If each of the objects 32 is provided at least one specific tag identifier 321 corresponding
thereto, that is, different tag identifiers 321 are separately provided on different
objects 32, and the processor 24 is also internally built with data of corresponding
relation between the tag identifiers 321 and the objects 32, the processor 24 can
then further determine the position of different object 32. The array reading system
according to the present invention can be applied in various kinds of game systems,
including but not limited to puzzle game systems, learning systems, such as an alphabet
learning system, etc.
[0017] Preferably, the array reading system of the present invention can further include
a storage module and an output module, depending on actual need. The output module
can be, for example, a speaker, a display screen, etc. The storage module is used
to store data about the correct positions of a plurality of tag identifiers 321 and
game data or learning data corresponding thereto. When the processor 24 identifies
the position of the object 32 and the identified position matches the correct position
for the tag identifier 321 on the object 32, the processor 24 then drives the speaker
to output corresponding sound or drives the display screen to show corresponding game
data or learning data to achieve the playing or learning effect.
[0018] It is also possible an object is provided on one surface with a plurality of tag
identifiers as shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, an object 32a in the form of a flat plate
is provided on a bottom surface with four tag identifiers 321 a, 321 b, 321 c, and
321 d, and the processor 24 is internally built with data of corresponding relation
between the tag identifiers 321a-321d and different manners of positioning the object
32a. With these arrangements, the processor 24 is able to identify not only the location
of the object 32a, but also the manner in which the object 32a is positioned. For
example, the processor 24 can identify the object 32a is positioned while having been
rotated by a certain orientation. More specifically, for example, when the processor
24 receives data of the tag identifier 321 a, it indicates that the object 32a is
correctly positioned with normal manner; or, when the processor 24 receives data of
the tag identifier 321b, it indicates the object 32a is positioned while having been
horizontally turned clockwise by 90 degrees; or, when the processor 24 received data
of the tag identifier 321c, it indicates the object 32a is positioned while having
been horizontally turned clockwise by 180 degrees; or when the processor 24 receives
data of the tag identifier 321 d, it indicates the object 32a is positioned while
having been horizontally turned clockwise by 270 degrees or counterclockwise by 90
degrees. Similarly, when the object 32a is also provided on a top surface with different
tag identifiers, the processor 24 would then be able to determine whether the object
32a is positioned with its bottom surface facing downward or upward. Alternatively,
when the object is a polyhedron, such as the cubic object 32 shown in Fig. 3, and
is provided on each of the surfaces thereof with different tag identifiers, and the
processor 24 is internally built with data corresponding to these tag identifiers,
the processor 24 would then be able to determine an exact manner from more different
manners in which the object is positioned.
[0019] Preferably, the multi-channel analog circuit 222 includes a logic circuit and a multiplexer
or a plurality of switches to implement the above-mentioned function of switching
among different image sensors 221. In the case that the multiplexer is used, the multiplexer
has a plurality of inputs separately electrically connected to the image sensors 221
for receiving analog detection signals generated by the image sensors 221; an output;
and a control end electrically connected to the logic circuit. The logic circuit receives
and processes a channel selection signal from the digital control circuit 23 to produce
a logic signal representing the channel to be selected, and sends the logic signal
to the control end of the multiplexer for controlling the output of the multiplexer
to output one of the analog detection signals received at the inputs that is corresponding
to the selected channel. Similarly, in the case that the switches are used, the switches
are separately electrically connected to different image sensors 221, and are separately
controlled to turn on/off by a logic signal which is generated by the logic circuit
and represents a channel to be selected. In this manner, it is possible to switch
among different image sensors 221 to output an analog detection signal generated by
a desired image sensor 221.
[0020] Alternatively, the array reading system of the present invention can be implemented
without using the multi-channel analog circuit 222. In this case, a plurality of digital
control circuits 23 are used in the array reading system, and the digital control
circuits 23 are in one-to-one correspondence to the image sensors 221 for receiving
the analog detection data from respective corresponding image sensors 221. The digital
detection data generated by the plurality of digital control circuits 23 are then
sent to the processor 24.
[0021] In addition to read the analog detection signals from different image sensors 221
by switching among the image sensors 221 under control of the digital control circuit
23, the multi-channel analog circuit 222 can also include a signal amplifying circuit
and a filtering circuit, depending on actual needs, so as to amplify and filter the
analog signals received from the image sensors 221 for subsequent signal processing.
[0022] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an array reading system according to a second embodiment
of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment
in that, the image sensors 421 of the array reader 22 in the second embodiment are
provided on a platform 41 among different areas 411 to 419 thereof. In the second
embodiment, the sensing area of each image sensor 421 is divided into four smaller
sensing areas 421 a, 421 b, 421 c, and 421 d for detecting the tag identifiers on
an object located at different sensing areas. Since the image sensor 421 is used to
acquire external images, images of any thing within the sensing range of the image
sensors 421 would be captured by the image sensors 421. The processor 24 can separate
an image into several parts by image processing, and then performs the identifying
of the tag identifier according to the image in each part. In this manner, it is possible
to achieve the effect of detecting more than one area with only one image sensor.
Compared to the first embodiment in which 9 image sensors 221 are required to detect
9 areas, the second embodiment requires only 4 image sensors 421 to detect 9 areas
and therefore provides the effect of reducing the manufacturing cost of the array
reading system.
[0023] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an array reading system according to a third embodiment
of the present invention. As can be seen from Fig. 5, the third embodiment is different
from the previous embodiments in that the digital control circuits 23a, 23b,..., and
23n further include an internally built digital serial interface 231a, 231b, ...,
and 231n each. Preferably, the digital serial interface can be a serial peripheral
interface (SPI) or a universal serial bus (USB) interface circuit. The digital control
circuits 23a, 23b,..., and 23n are serially connected to the processor 24 via the
digital serial interfaces 231a, 231b, ..., and 231n. Since each of the digital control
circuits 23a, 23b, ..., and 23n is corresponding to a different identifier (id), the
array reading system of the present invention can be expanded by serially connecting
augmented array readers and digital control circuits to an existing array reader,
so that the augmented array readers and digital control circuits are also electrically
connected to the processor 24. Meanwhile, the processor 24 also records the identifiers
of the augmented array readers, so as to separately send commands to different digital
control circuits 23a, 23b, ...., and 23n according to the identifiers, and thereby
control different array readers 22a, 22b, ..., and 22n to scan their respective image
sensors in a predetermined sequence. In this manner, the array reading system can
be expanded and maximized in a simplified manner.
[0024] Moreover, the digital control circuits 23a, 23b,..., and 23n are not necessarily
connected to the processor 24 in series, but can be parallelly connected to the processor
24 via the digital serial interfaces 231a, 231b, ..., and 231n to achieve the same
effect of simplifying the expansion and maximization of the array reading system.
Further, the digital serial interfaces are not necessarily built in the digital control
circuits but can be external circuits electrically connected to the digital control
circuits to achieve the same effect.
[0025] The present invention has been described with some preferred embodiments thereof
and it is understood that many changes and modifications in the described embodiments
can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention
that is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.
1. An array reading system for detecting at least one object that has at least one tag
identifier provided thereon, comprising:
an array reader including a plurality of image sensors and an analog circuit, wherein
each of the image sensors is used to read the at least one tag identifier and generate
an analog detection data, and the analog circuit is for receiving the analog detection
data and then outputting the analog detection data;
a digital control circuit electrically connected to the array reader for receiving
the analog detection data output by the analog circuit of the array reader and converting
the received analog detection data into digital detection data; and
a processor electrically connected to the digital control circuit for identifying
a position of the at least one object based on the digital detection data.
2. The array reading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the analog circuit is a multi-channel
analog circuit for turning on/off the image sensors separately, and receiving the
analog detection data generated by one of the image sensors that has been turned on
by the multi-channel analog circuit, and the digital control circuit is electrically
connected to the multi-channel analog circuit for controlling the multi-channel analog
circuit to turn on/off channel and select channel.
3. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a digital serial interface, via which the digital control circuit and any augmented
digital control circuits are electrically connected to the processor in series or
in parallel.
4. The array reading system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the digital serial interface
is internally built in the digital control circuit.
5. The array reading system as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the digital serial interface
is selected from the group consisting of a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and a
USB interface.
6. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor
further identifies, based on the digital detection data, whether the object is positioned
in a correct manner.
7. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the object
is selected from the group consisting of a flat plate and a polyhedron.
8. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag
identifier is selected from the group consisting of a bar code, a pattern ID code,
an image ID code, and a hidden identifier.
9. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the image
sensor is selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader, a complimentary
metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor, and an optical image sensor.
10. The array reading system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the image
sensor has a light source.